Bruce Allen Lawson

Bruce Allen Lawson 89, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away peacefully in his home on June 18, 2022, after an extended illness from complications of dementia. He was born in Jamestown, NY on May 20, 1933. He graduated from Mayville NY Central High School. He had served in the United States Air Force.

His career included positions at Lockheed Aircraft in Pasadena, CA, and a tech writer at Raytheon Corp., Sudbury, MA.

He formed the company, "Office Equipment Erection Corp”, in Belmont, MA with his brother Milton Lawson. They installed various equipment for the Art Metal Company of Jamestown, libraries, schools and banks in New York and New England. New ideas excited him and he became CFO of a skin cream company, and helped start up a microscope business. Both failed but that didn't stop him from learning about new ideas.

Always an entrepreneur he formed a home heating/AC business, snowplowing, large boat hauling, and real estate and construction ventures. For fun he raced his 1966 Corvette at Salisbury Beach, drove 1929 Model A sedan to car shows in the area, participated in Antique and Classic boat shows in MA and NH.

He loved people and was always there to help, be it sitting by a hospital bed, changing oil or tires, fixing bicycles for kids, restoring old cars (and 1939 oil truck), antique boats and motors. Though his memory was slipping, once handed a carburetor he turned it over and over (he was completely blind by this time) and said, "It's a carburetor from an Evinrude outboard."

A long time boat lover, he taught his son and daughter to sail on Lake Cochituate in MA, was a member of Watertown and Old Colony Yacht Clubs, and devoted 30+ years to the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Boston and Punta Gorda as crew, coxswain, vessel examiner and marine dealer visitor. He was also a ham radio operator and a member of CARS.

Fascinated with old autos and bicycles, he explained to visitors at Lars Anderson Museum in MA, the complexities of old vehicles, and worked to put the 1880's century bicyles in prime order. Riding his own high wheelers in parades with his son was a delight to see in his cap and outfit.

After Carolyn retired from teaching, Bruce put all his projects on hold to travel the edges of the U.S. in a small RV, across the north, into Canada where they enjoyed the hospitality of the Royal Canadian Legion and up to Alaska, even flying across the Arctic CIrcle to Barrow where they waded in the Arctic Ocean. Completing the circuit of the U.S. they stopped at Coast Guard bases along the west coast, touring and staying overnight with many of them. Along the way they visited every friend and family member of their parents and themselves.

Upon arriving at the west coast of Florida, Bruce decided a home here was needed, and found the perfect starter home in Port Charlotte. After hurricane Charlie in 2004 provided a new roof, new kitchen and new boat lift, it was just right. When Mom Amelia came to live with them, they moved next door to a better layout and more room. Lutheran Church of the Cross made them feel welcomed home with their friendliness and focus on the Gospel. This was HIS church. Here Bruce strengthened his faith in Jesus, affirming his Baptism in a special ceremony, and enjoyed daily devotions, BIble readings and hymn singing.

Bruce is survived by his devoted wife Carolyn, a daughter Jane Lawson Eastman (Alan Missel) of Hudson, MA., and brothers Milton Lawson of Orlando, Fl., and Michael Yager (Dona) of Bemus Point, NY., granddaughter Jessica Lawson and great grandsons Huxley and Sawyer Lawson, several nieces and nephews and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his Mother Genevieve Yager and Father Delbert Lawson, his first wife Sara Triscari, son Mark, and a sister Alice Lawson Sopher.

Internment in August was at the Town of Busti, Lakewood, NY. Bentley Cemetery, where many family members now rest in peace.

Family members and friends from the area where Bruce grew up were able to attend.

Memorial service is scheduled for Nov. 16 at Lutheran Church of the Cross. Visitation 10.30, Service 11. Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Church of the Cross 2300 Luther Road, Port Charlotte, FL , TIdewell Hospice, or to the charity of your choice.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Church of the Cross 2500 Luther Road, Port Charlotte, FL , TIdewell Hospice, or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, Port Charlotte, Fl

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kayspongerpc.com for the Lawson family.